,,, in other words, "close, but no cigar."
It disturbs me how often this reptile has made it down to this part of the planet. I suspect a part of the problem is that some corridor boy who arranges things for Billy-Jeff keeps saying "we've got your entry visa taken care of" and nobody has ever explained to him that it only gives someone the right to enter a country, not their citizens. Please keep this particular American where he belongs. I have a twelve year old daughter who calls him "Babylon's custodian". He has a lot to answer for [LOL!]
Former United States president Bill Clinton returns to New Zealand today with nearly as much secrecy and security as his last visit when he led the most powerful nation in the world.
However, this time Mr Clinton is being paid to promote a new car, not international trade and co-operation.
Security is as high as it gets for any private citizen.
None of Mr Clinton's own security guards would be armed but many of the large number of New Zealand police working on his visit would carry firearms, police said today.
Mr Clinton was due to touch down in the Sultan of Brunei's private jet, possibly about midday.
Mr Clinton, a golf fanatic, is understood to be keen on a round here and several courses have been put on the list for a possible visit from the presidential-style motorcade.
Mr Clinton was to get express treatment through security at Auckland International Airport before climbing into the New Zealand limousine forming part of the cavalcade.
He is expected at an exclusive $795-a-head business dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland at 7pm where he is scheduled to give a 45-minute speech at the launch of a new BMW car. Mr Clinton's fee is rumoured to be $500,000.
The last time he visited New Zealand was in 1999 when he attended the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) forum. Then, security was unprecedented: before the meeting navy divers checked the waterfront wharves where Mr Clinton visited America's Cup yachts, the army surrounded The Domain for a visit to the Auckland War Memorial and Museum, and no one was allowed into the conference venue without going through metal detectors and stringent security checks.
Senior Sergeant Darroch Todd said police were working closely with the US Secret Service on Mr Clinton's security. "He is not here as the guest of the Government. He is here as a private individual, but the Government is treating him with all the courtesies you would expect in the circumstances. He is being treated in a manner befitting the former head of the United States." link.